Identifying Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties Among English Language Learners
English Language Learners (ELLs) are considered to be at higher risk for developing emotional and behavioral difficulties due to their limited English proficiency. As a result, the present study examined the identification of emotional and behavioral risk (EBR) among ELLs and non-ELLs through the use of universal behavior screening measures. The study consisted of 395 students enrolled in kindergarten through 5th grades, ranging in age from 5 years, 6 months to 12 years, 4 months. Over half of participants (52.4%) were male and a majority (42.8%) identified as Hispanic/Latino(a). Approximately one-fifth (19.7%) of students were classified as ELLs. Teachers completed the electronic version of the BASC-2 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System-Teacher Form (BESS) for each student in their classroom. Demographic student data was provided by the school via the school’s electronic database. Results showed no relationship between ELL status and EBR. However, there was a relationship between gender and the identification of EBR among ELL students, where males demonstrated increased risk levels. In addition, students' reading ability, age, and gender predicted whether ELL and non-ELL students would be identified as at-risk for emotional and behavior problems. Although results did not show a relationship between language proficiency and EBR, ELLs remain a group vulnerable for being identified as at-risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties, due to academic and/or social-emotional problems that they may experience. In practice, schools may want to consider using an integrated approach to conducting universal screening, where schools screen for reading difficulties and behavior concerns, thus allowing them to address a broader range of concerns through early intervention programs.
ELL, Emotional and behavioral difficulties, Emotional and behavioral risk, English Language Learners, Language Proficiency, Universal screening
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